Cheese spreads sold in KY may be contaminated

BALTIMORE, Md. (WTVQ) – Health officials in Maryland are warning that cheese spreads sold in Kentucky and other states might be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Tests showed that some products made by Picnic Gourmet Spreads may be contaminated, according to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

The department says routine retail sampling and subsequent analysis revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the products.

The products include Red Petter Feta Cheese Spread, Moroccan Cilantro Cheese Spread, Tandoori Garlic Cheese Spread, Herbed Goat Cheese, Parmesan Cheese Spread, and Chipotle Sage Cheese Spread.

The spreads were distributed to stores in Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

The agency says Picnic Gourmet Spreads has ceased production. Health officials say anyone who has Picnic Gourmet Spreads products should throw them away.